Neopluralism and globalization: the plural politics of the Motion Picture Association

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article examines the transnational politics of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the trade association of Hollywood major studios, from the viewpoint of the neopluralist. The MPA aims at stopping copyright violations by framing materially and discursively markets. For this reason, it maintains a worldwide spectrum of relations with other business associations, workers of the motion picture industries and governments. These relationships serve the MPA in a multitude of ways, from intergovernmental negotiations and litigations to anti-copyright violation efforts in association with law enforcement. Although the MPA has acquired an authoritative position beyond audiovisual sectors, its policy remains unachieved owing to pluralizing world spheres. This neopluralist perspective underlines first the fundamentally multicentered, crosscut and fragmented aspects of globalized politics which lead actors to resort increasingly to coalitions. Second, it takes a broader perspective at politics showing not only the strengths but also the weaknesses of assumed all-powerful organizations. Third, neopluralism argues strongly for a reconsideration of the dominant views on firms, economies and governments in international political economy.